RHS Companion to Wildlife Gardening by Chris Baines

RHS Companion to Wildlife Gardening by Chris Baines is a fully revised and updated guide, produced in association with the RHS. Refreshed with new illustrations, ideas and projects, it brings together practical ways to make outdoor spaces more welcoming to wildlife, whether you are working with a garden, balcony or backyard.

Originally published as How to Make a Wildlife Garden and launched at the 1985 Chelsea Flower Show, this edition reflects changes in garden wildlife over the past 35 years. Drawing on RHS research and updated best practice, it also addresses a range of conservation issues and considers how planting, shelter, food, water and nesting spaces can help support wildlife in outdoor areas.

Key details

• Author: Chris Baines
• Fully revised and updated edition
• New illustrations, ideas and projects
• First published as How to Make a Wildlife Garden
• Published in association with the RHS
• Informed by RHS research and updated best practice

Synopsis

This guide sets out how gardening and wildlife can work together, covering plant choices for nectar and fruit alongside shelter, safety, food, water and nesting boxes. It includes practical advice on selecting plants for bees, birds and butterflies, building a wildlife pond, and positioning nesting boxes. Suitable for outdoor spaces of any size, it also discusses conservation issues and outlines changes in garden wildlife over the past 35 years.